Letters to the editor for Feb. 27, 2013

A tragic storyGreat! Another elderly person behind bars charged with attempted murder/suicide, instead of the cool, peaceful grave where she wanted to be. Now, “life,” as she’s known it — in a wheelchair with COPD, and a husband with Alzheimer’s — shall continue, against her wishes, after she coughs up $5,000 for bail, faces the courts and eventually dies a felon.Sound cold? Tough, because it’s not. It’s the starkest reality. It’s what Lydia Herrera (“Woman, 72, charged in attempted murder/suicide,” Feb. 20) now has to look forward thanks to her “helpful neighbors” and a family that refused comment, and begs the question: Have you been there for her and did you help her with her 82-year-old husband who suffers daily? I’m not looking to point fingers; I’m just trying to wrap my brain around the fairness of any of it.The once bright candle that reflected the brightness of the quality of Lydia Herrera’s life has probably been flickering for awhile, until she tried to extinguish it completely on Jan. 29. Quality? Quantity? Please, tell me what she had to look forward to.We are kinder to our pets than we are to our elderly. We don’t make them suffer every day in pain until they naturally draw their last breath.We love them, understand when their quality of life has dissipated into torturous days of pain, and we let them go. Unfortunately, society does not allow us to be so kind to our fellow humans.I am so sorry for your loss, Lydia. The loss of having the right to end your horrific existence and go to a better place!Judy Hayman HallBelleview

Not a professionI do not usually concur with editorial page editor Brad Rogers, but I agree with his insight into trimming the payroll of our County Commission. I was an elected official for two terms and accepted only a $800 a year pay. My full-time job provided my major salary and pension and medical benefits.So when I see that the county commissioners receive $75,626 for a part-time position, not to mention the state employee retirement and medical benefits, it just makes me shake my head.So I ask that all citizens of Marion County send in letters, emails or phone calls demanding that these elected officials revise the laws governing their pay to $38,000 per year salary and no retirement or medical benefits and a limit of two terms per person.Elected positions are a privilege, not a profession.Now let’s look at the federal government where a retired congressmen can receive more in retirement than when working.Again, this is outrageous and should be revised by the people who should have the say, and that’s the voting public — a referendum from the people and by the people to end this life of entitlement.They also should overturn the Supreme Court ruling saying businesses are equal to the single citizen as far as allowing donations to their campaigns and put ceilings on congressional pay and term limits as well, with no retirement benefits above what Social Security would provide.Let’s get back to common sense.Don StantonOcala

Contradiction of justiceJudge Hale Stancil did not allow an inmate to be released and be escorted to his grandmother’s funeral — a woman who struggled to raise him and his sisters — but said rather he could watch a videotape of the funeral.But yet, he felt it was OK to release someone on Feb. 20 for his third probation violation on 40 charges against children.Where is the justice?Theresa SmithOcala

Support for StrausserI was appalled when I read the letter “All for one” (Feb. 23) regarding Robby Strausser. He is a first-grade teacher at Oakcrest Elementary School who was recently diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.The writer obviously didn’t read the article correctly. Where in the article does it state Robby does not have health insurance? Where in the article does it state he was the person to initiate the change to the employee sick day policy?The article I read stated the Marion County school district and the teachers union are creating an addendum to the employee sick day policy.The article is not about a man who doesn’t work. The article is not about a man who has his hands out for all he can get from the government.The article is about a “very inspirational guy,” a “popular teacher” who had the misfortune of contracting this awful disease.Has an account been established for donations to be made for this family?Sandy BarrineauOcala

Heart troubleI read the letter, “All for one” in total disbelief! I have been thinking all day how best to respond, but then I thought of a quote from Bob Hope: “If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” Need I say more?Pat RussellOcala

How to affect gas pricesIn response to the letter “Gas price crunch,” yes, gas prices are going up and up, but there is something we all can do about it. Slow down!Very few drivers obey the speed limit, and when the stoplight turns green it’s a drag race to the next light. If everyone will just slow down we can improve our gas mileage by as much as 30 percent. Try it for one week and see if it doesn’t make a huge difference, and as a bonus your brakes will last longer. Remember the old adage about supply and demand: If you want the price to go down, stop using so much.Ken Rose Sr.Ocala